Go directly to the content.
Ann Arbor experienced a weekend filled with jubilation as the Michigan Wolverines broke their streak of eight consecutive losses to Ohio State. Finally, they achieved a significant milestone by securing their first-ever qualification for the Big Ten Conference championship game against Iowa.
Michigan’s victory over the Buckeyes with a score of 42-27 not only put an end to their losing streak in the rivalry but also secured their first appearance in Indianapolis since the introduction of the conference title game structure in 2011.
Will Michigan be able to maintain their emotional momentum as they face the Hawkeyes on Saturday in their quest for a spot in the College Football Playoff?
Big Ten Championship Football Odds: Iowa vs. Michigan
Michigan a double-digit favorite in Big Ten championship game
The sports betting oddsmakers in Michigan were quick to pay attention to the Wolverines’ remarkable performance against Ohio State.
Sportsbooks have designated UM as a 10.5-point favorite over the Hawkeyes in this week’s Big Ten championship game.
Michigan is not favored on the moneyline, with odds ranging from -440 to -450. Meanwhile, Iowa is considered an underdog with odds between +325 and +340.
Most sportsbooks have set the over/under total at a modest 43.5 points. However, PointsBet Sportsbook has slightly increased the total to 44 points.
This season, Michigan has an impressive 10-2 record against the spread, whereas Iowa stands at 7-5 ATS. BetMGM Sportsbook reveals that the Wolverines hold the top spot in the nation for their outstanding performance against the spread. Following closely behind is Oklahoma State in second place, with a 9-2-1 ATS record.
Throughout the season, the Wolverines boasted an impressive average cover of +9.3 points.
Michigan has a 6-6 record when it comes to the total, with an equal number of games going over and under. On the other hand, out of 12 games, Iowa’s games have gone under the total on seven occasions.
Throughout its history, Michigan has been the dominant force in this series. The Wolverines boast an impressive all-time record of 42-15-4 against Iowa. However, it is worth noting that the Hawkeyes have emerged victorious in five of the previous seven encounters.
How to watch: Michigan Wolverines vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
- Matchup: No. 2 Michigan (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) will face off against No. 15 Iowa (10-2, 7-2).
- The date and time are: Saturday, December 4th, at 8 p.m.
- The location is Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
- Fox TV will have Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft as the announcers.
- Watch live sports online with the FOX Sports App.
- Learfield Michigan Sports Network is on the radio.
Jim Harbaugh gets his win over Ohio State
Despite being deemed a letdown in his previous six seasons at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh’s perspective as an alumnus significantly shifted after securing a victory on Saturday.
If Michigan can continue to build on last Saturday’s victory, Harbaugh might be offered another new contract.
Since 1993, Saturday’s win marked the Wolverines’ most one-sided victory in the rivalry.
Despite Ohio State’s impressive offensive performance of 458 yards, it is evident that Michigan dominated the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense for the entirety of the game.
Michigan amassed a total of 487 yards, with an impressive 297 coming from their ground game. On the defensive end, the Wolverines effectively stifled Ohio State’s rushing attack, allowing a mere 64 yards on 30 attempts.
A total of four sacks, eight tackles for loss, and four additional quarterback hurries were produced by the UM defensive front. Aidan Hutchinson spearheaded the team’s performance with seven tackles and three sacks.
Hassan Haskins displayed an impressive offensive performance, serving as a powerhouse with 169 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 28 carries. His outstanding achievement of scoring five times in a single game ties a record at Michigan. On the other hand, Blake Corum managed to accumulate 87 rushing yards, but due to an ongoing ankle injury, he was restricted to just six carries.
Cade McNamara displayed a consistent performance as a quarterback, completing 13 out of 19 passes for a total of 159 yards. Despite an initial interception, he effectively controlled the game.
A whole new Big Ten world for Michigan
Michigan broke through a locked door that had been inaccessible for quite a while with their victory on Saturday.
Michigan is on the verge of securing its first conference title since 2004, which would guarantee them a spot in the College Football Playoff, in addition to making history with their first appearance in the Big Ten championship game.
Michigan is listed at +850 by DraftKings Sportsbook to emerge as the national champions this year, with only Georgia (-220) and Alabama (+650) having better odds.
Hutchinson’s exceptional performance instantly propelled him into the conversation for the Heisman Trophy. Despite being touted as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick all year, it wasn’t until this weekend that Hutchinson’s name became linked to the Heisman.
He has been elevated to +2500 in the odds by BetMGM Sportsbook, placing him on par with Ole Miss QB Matt Corral. The frontrunner for the honor is currently Bryce Young of Alabama, with odds at -200, followed by Ohio State’s CJ Stroud at +450.
Michigan State University running back, Kenneth Walker III, holds odds of +2000, while Pittsburgh quarterback, Kenny Pickett, is also in contention with odds of +1600.
Iowa sneaks into Big Ten championship game
Despite securing a 28-21 victory against Nebraska last weekend, Iowa found themselves in a precarious position, standing on the periphery of the Big Ten championship game. Their hopes hinged on an unexpected outcome: a Minnesota triumph over Wisconsin, which would grant them the West Division title.
Despite having one of the country’s worst offenses, Iowa remains a defensive force that presents a challenge for Michigan.
This year, the Hawkeyes have recorded an impressive 22 takeaways, leading the nation in this category. Additionally, they have showcased their defensive prowess by ranking 10th in scoring defense, allowing only 17.3 points per game. In terms of total defense, they stand at an impressive 13th place, limiting opponents to 315.8 yards per game. Furthermore, their rushing defense has been stellar, ranking 14th by allowing just 105.8 yards per game.
Iowa faces the challenge of containing Michigan’s offense, as they have a significant hurdle to overcome against the formidable Michigan defense.
In terms of total offense, Iowa holds the 123rd position nationwide with an average of 299.3 yards per game. On the other hand, Michigan is ranked 14th in total defense, allowing only 318.8 yards per game.
Iowa’s leading rusher this season is Tyler Goodson, who has accumulated 1,101 yards and scored six touchdowns. The quarterback position for Iowa has seen Spencer Petras and Alex Padilla take the field in recent games, with mixed results. Overall, Iowa has recorded 2,135 passing yards and 11 touchdowns throughout the season.
